Window smashed at candidate’s office

CCTV footage of a man smashing the front window of a Sunderland politician’s office has been released by detectives investigating the incident.

Shortly after 11.10pm on Saturday, November 9, officers received a report of criminal damage at the office of prospective Member of Parliament Julie Elliott on Norfolk Street.

It was reported that a man had smashed the window of the premises and was acting aggressively, before leaving the area.

Julie Elliott posted on her Facebook page after the CCTV footage was released.

She said: “Northumbria Police have released this image of the man who bricked my office on 9th November - I’m sure people who know him will recognise him.

“I know from the hundreds of messages of support I’ve received that this attack has shocked the vast majority of people in Sunderland, whatever their politics.

“There is no place for this behaviour in our great city.”

An investigation was launched into the incident of criminal damage and officers have now released CCTV footage showing a man moments before the incident.

Speak to the Echo after the incident, Julie Elliott, who was first elected as MP for Sunderland Central in 2010, condemned the behaviour of the man responsible.

Ms Elliott said: “It’s very upsetting and it’s very worrying for my staff.

“People can have political debates with me that’s absolutely fine – but this is not the way to behave in politics or in life.”